What are the definitions of “account for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To explain.
They had to ACCOUNT FOR all the money that had gone missing.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “account for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb account for is to explain or give a reason for something, especially when there is a need to justify or clarify an action, event, or situation.
What are the different verb forms of “account for”?
| Root Verb | account for |
| Third Person Singular Present | accounts for |
| Present Participle | accounting for |
| Simple Past | accounted for |
| Past Participle | accounted for |
Example
The manager must account for the missing funds.
Example
She accounts for her actions during the meeting.
Example
He is accounting for the discrepancies in the report.
Example
Yesterday, they accounted for the errors in the data.
Example
The sudden increase in expenses has been accounted for.
What kind of phrasal verb is “account for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“account for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The scientist accounted for the unexpected results.
Example
The teacher accounted for the changes in the schedule.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“account for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The scientist accounted for the unexpected results.
Example
The teacher accounted for the changes in the schedule.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “account for”?
To represent a specific portion or percentage of a whole.
Example
Online sales account for 30% of the company's revenue.
Good things to know
Does “account for” have an informal or formal tone?
Account for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as business meetings, academic discussions, and written reports.
